Crime Blog

Innovative program for potential family violence victims feasible?

Safety for victims of family violence is tough to provide but a California reader, Bonnie Russell, points to an innovative program: use of GPS monitoring devices, not only to track an offender’s movements but to alert potential victims to their presence, giving them time to flee. According to Russell, the program is being used in a few states across the country in an effort to lower costs and prevent violence. This is how it’s supposed to work: When a restraining order is issued, the alleged perpetrator is fitted with a GPS device. The potential victim also has a device so that when the perpetrator comes within a certain distance of the potential victim, an alarm sounds alerting the victim to possible danger and giving him or her time to leave the area.

Sounds intriguing to me–anybody know if this is being used in Texas? Pros and cons?

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Criminal justice reporters, editors and invited guests provide news and analysis impacting Dallas-area police, courts, fire and other public safety issues and entities. Readers are encouraged to join the conversation.